Yes, but the state isn't leeching off of the people. My point is wrt landlords in the sense of people who do nothing, provide no value, and make money solely by virtue of "I/my ancestor was here first I/they bought this when there was less people so gimme money".

I don't see where you get your conclusion from. For many (most?) people, they really don't have a chance to fight their landlord. Legal expenses, time, energy, etc. are pretty huge deterrents. Not sure why you can't fight a "state-landlord", also.